Following AEG Ogden’s appointment to operate the new AUD$1.1 billion International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), the facility has been boasted at a recent industry briefing as nothing short of world-class.

An artist render of the proposed International Convention Centre-Sydney precinct.

Welcoming the announcement that the Destination Sydney consortium – comprising Lend Lease, Hostplus, Capella Capital, AEG Ogden and Spotless – had won the right to redevelop the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre site in Darling Harbour, AEG Ogden Chairman and CEO Harvey Lister said the NSW Government’s vision to create a world-class, integrated facility that will ensure Sydney is a leading player in the business and events industries well into the 21st century.

“AEG Ogden is privileged and excited by the opportunity to work with Government and industry in ensuring the venue is a key contributor to economic growth in Sydney,” he said.

“ICC Sydney is destined to be a showcase international venue in one of the world’s leading cities and is a welcome addition to the AEG Ogden family of award winning venues in Australia, Asia and the Middle East,” he said.

AEG Ogden’s director of Convention Centres, Geoff Donaghy said the new venue, featuring waterfront facilities in a prime CBD location, would position Sydney as one of the world’s most desirable meeting destinations.

“Utilising our international operational and marketing experience and our global venue network, we plan on taking the meeting and events business to a new level through ICC Sydney,” he said.

Destination Sydney will assume full responsibility of the project and site in December 2013 when construction of the new facility commences. The ICC Sydney will replace the existing Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The ICC Sydney is due for completion in December 2016 and up to 1,600 jobs will be created in the construction period.